The New England Patriots have reached an agreement to bring back top cornerback Aqib Talib, according to multiple media reports. Talib, acquired in midseason from the Buccaneers, signed a one-year, $5 million deal.

Re-signing Talib, who is seventh in Sporting News' ranking of the top 50 free agents, was considered key to the Patriots’ title hopes for next season.

With the re-signing of Talib, the Patriots will be able to keep Arrington as a slot corner, where he’s best suited.

The talented Talib made the most of his opportunity with New England after he was acquired from Tampa Bay on Nov. 1. He brought stability and shutdown ability to a struggling Patriots secondary.

Talib, 27, also brings a long history of baggage, including a four-game suspension for using banned substances and a litany of run-ins with the law. That limited his trade market last season. The Bucs traded Talib and a 2013 seventh-round pick for the Patriots’ 2013 fourth-round pick.

Talib has the size (6-1, 205) and skills to match up against top receivers. He played in six regular-season games with the Patriots, and returned his only interception for a touchdown.